Every Big Fat Punjabi wedding shouts from the top – Punjabiyaan di shaan wakhri . And, it’s not just the grand entrance, bling jewellery & the multitude of Pajero’s & Audis that adorn the show, it’s also the food that differentiates one wedding from another.
Ask a Punjabi, How was the wedding ?
He/she is likely to reply "Khana bahut badhiyaa/bekaar tha"
Let’s take a look at the dishes that signify a Punjabi wedding. In fact, no punjabi wedding can be complete without these dishes.
1. Achari Paneer Tikka
You’ll find Chachaji , Mami, Bittoo , Sonu bhaiya , Kuldeep , Pinky bua , Badi waali maasi & even Nonu queued up at the Achari Paneer Tikka Live counter. It’s the show stealer at any punjabi wedding . And, if it’s being served piping hot to directly to everyone with mint chutney, no points in guessing who is the sought after banquet staff member in demand.
2. Pindi Chana
This is one dish that’s a trademark in a Punjabi wedding. Tandoori Roti , Naan , roti , Poori or even Fried Rice – Pindi chana goes well with everything adding a dash of excitement to the white plate. It’s quite popular among the kids too.
3. Tadka Dal
Though we have never seen anyone having it ( except some badey buzurg uncle log) , this Tadka dal is a saviour when relatives are forcing you to have dinner & you have already gobbled up too much starters & cold drinks ( you know what we mean).
4. Palak Paneer
Tasting Palak Panner is mandatory in any Punjabi wedding even you get overwhelmed with Paneer. Some relatives get a kick out of telling if the Paneer was fresh. If someone wants to have dinner with just 1 subzi , it’s the safest bet.
5. Missi Roti
Because wedding calls for a special roti . The name itself rings of a heady concoction (combining wheat flour , gram flour , salt, chilli powder , turmeric powder , coriander seeds ) . Want to show that you are taking extra care of someone – offer them a Missi roti . It works.
6. Papdi Chaat
The only dish that can make punjabi women get up from their seat & head towards the chattar pattar section . Moms & daughters bond over it & it’s wedding photographer’s call to action.
7. Jalebi Rabri
The combination of rabri & jalebi & that too available unlimited is what tempts people to gatecrash the wedding party. Extra rabri calls are overheard in Punjabi weddings & this is one dessert that’s a permanent fixture in the wedding menu.
8. Pineapple Raita
So what if it’s sweet ? Pineapple raita gets as much eyeballs as the bride’s younger unmarried brother in a punjabi wedding. Groom’s grandfather might just ask, ” Pineapple raita ni rakhwaaya kya ? ” .
9. Gulab Jamun
If a hot gulab jamun with an ice cream after dinner can cast a spell on the relatives & friends , that atrocious spend on the wedding gift has been totally worth it. Just that the host has to make sure that julab jamuns don’t run out of inventory.
10. Dahi Bhalle
All spillovers are allowed with this dish . Even Punjabis aren’t able to decide if x bhallas are sufficient for the dinner. The “Go to ” stall till queue subsides at Paneer tikka one. If you are serving for some one else, don’t miss the saunth along with Dahi Bhalle.
